Newsgathering Locations Onsite

Both Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports are public buildings operated by the Airports Authority. Media may film, tape, or photograph in publicly accessible areas, including but not limited to lobbies, parking lots and garages, roadways, the media pad at Dulles, terraces at Reagan National, hallways adjacent to concessions and other common use areas. Only ticketed passengers may proceed through security. It is not a practice of the Airports Authority to issue gate passes or escort the media through or beyond the TSA security checkpoint.

Ticket counter and gate areas are leased by the airlines, and airlinesmust give permission for filming/photography in their leased space.

Shops and restaurants are leased space, and the managers must give permission to media to enter their areas.

The security screening areas are operated through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). For media access to the screening area equipment or TSA employees, you must obtain approval from TSA Public Affairs.

Airfield Access

Airfield access is rarely granted and strictly controlled. Requests for filming in the aircraft movement areas and near the aprons will be handled by the Media Relations Office on a case-by-case basis. Prior notification is essential to ensure adequate staffing exists to perform escort duties. Requests for access will be accommodated to the extent manpower and operational considerations permit. In the event of an emergency situation or other event that requires the full attention of the Airport Operations staff, a prearranged escort may be canceled.

Best Places to View Aircraft Operations

Reagan National Airport:

Outdoor North Terrace and South Terrace adjacent to Terminal B/C on the Departures (Ticketing) level

Gravelly Point Park on the Northbound George Washington Parkway (contact National Park Service for more information)

If a criminal investigation is underway, approved filming locations will be the coordinated through Airports Authority Police Department Officers on the scene by the Media Relations Office representative serving as Public Information Officer (PIO). Similarly, approved filming locations of accidents or disasters will be coordinated through the Incident Commander by the PIO.